The Demon of Histlewick Downs

by Douglas J. Bornemann

A terrible mistake!
When his parents are unjustly seized for heresy, a sheltered young man is thrust into the volatile world of the Inquisition, but when the Inquisitor General enlists his unique talents to oppose a deadly magic-wielding heretic, he quickly discovers that naivete is a luxury he can no longer afford.



Along the way, Flinch will need to navigate a constantly shifting network of dangers and allegiances, as friend and foe alike jockey to use his rare talents to their best advantage.



In the end, who will be the real demon of Histlewick Downs?



Since the Heiromancer trilogy within the Dreamweaver Chronicles (which includes Practical Phrendonics, A House of Cards, and Hanged Man's Gambit) makes up a single story, those books should be experienced in that order. The Demon of Histlewick Downs and Shady Fortunes are both complementary standalone novels designed to further immerse readers in the action-packed world.

Genres: Fantasy, Magic, Young Adult, Ebooks

348 pages, Paperback

First published July 20, 2014

About the author

Smart ensemble casts working at cross purposes, intricate plots that challenge the reader but ultimately satisfy, and nuanced characters capable of conveying more by what they imply than what they state directly—these are some of the literary niches Douglas J. Bornemann seeks to fill with his work. By night, he blends his diverse experiences as a lawyer, bench biologist/geneticist, and long-time gamer to painstakingly craft compelling fantasy narratives. By day, he leverages that same arsenal to help professors hone persuasive grant proposals. His current writing efforts are aided by consummate book critic and ginger tabby Reshi, who dropped by one day and decided to stay.

Reviews

[Alex Adam]

A fast-paced adventure story that delights with excellent use of language and extraordinary (but very human) characters. Except for one. The pocket watch featured on the cover is a hoot! And definitely not human. But what a voice it has. And what an attitude! Very clever, as is the whole book. Super debut. I actually forced myself to slow down my reading as I neared the end -- didn't want to be finished just yet. Hope to see next book in the Dreamweaver Series soon.

[Gavin South]

This was a decent read. It's a bit different, as good self-published novels so often are. Generally, it has a "Dickens does magic" vibe without a steampunk feel. It's well-written and well-edited too.

One area in which it didn't work for me was in the break-neck pace. Bonds sprung up between characters in moments that it felt like it should have taken years (or at least weeks!) to grow. And I didn't know who to root for. I have no problem with grey characters, but both the Church and the Phedronics generally seemed pretty unlikeable. And, ultimately, I wasn't so keen on the book's young protagonist either.

As I say, however, this was a decent read. You could do a lot worse!

[Boyd]

After this one, I will be interested in finding out how these chronicles continue. A different take on magic and its uses. There were hints of "Liar, Liar's Jim Carrey" character here as the main character developed. A little uneven but subtle. A bit of a backhanded swipe at the hypocritical attitude some major religions take to the, "Do as I say, not as I do." I will read the next book in the series.

[Sue Manning]

This is a fantastic discovery! How has this writer been overlooked? MUCH above the standard for these days. Well edited. And besides, the plot was interesting, the characters intriguing, and the language excellent. Don’t miss it.

[Peter Cornell]

Waste of time

I waited and waited for this book to go somewhere. It didn't. I feel as though I wasted a bunch of time on this. Around and around, silly.

[Teresa Lavender]

This novel was non-stop! I hate to give a story away, but if you like fantasy/magic, drama. intrigue, and great characters you will love this story.

[Catherine Maurer]

Enjoyable read.

Intrigue, politics and quick analytical thinking by the hero created a fast paced story that had a mixed ending with potential for a continuation.

[Janice Beitz]

I only rate this book fair. An easy summer read but not good enough to interest me in continuing to read the series.

[Pamela]

Excitement never stops

I keep trying to take a break from reading, but I finished it in a day. A bit beyond belief, but that's what fantasy is all about.

[Jan Nerenberg]

Magic, Mayhem, and Truth

The combination of these three lead to a lively story that always has another surprise around the corner. I recommend.

[Mary White]

The Demon of Histlewick Downs, the new novel by Douglas J. Bornemann, opens on the shop of Thoren Theratigan’s father, known far and wide for the objects he fashions for supernatural designs. He’s primarily a craftsman, but also versed in magical theory although not a practitioner himself. Young Thoren has amassed a foundation of knowledge about talismans, wands, and spells from working in the family business. When his parents are taken away under suspicion of heresy, he sets off on their trail, armed only with this fragmented training and a mysterious talking timepiece, in a quest to save them and many others falsely accused. His ensuing adventures are fraught with danger and mystery, but the book also opens the reader’s mind to contemplations about the coexistence of reason and magic, and the ramifications when one embraces both.

Bornemann’s debut is impeccably written and richly imagined, accented with humor, buoyed with intrigue, and powered by relentless action. The rich cast of characters keeps the reader guessing at every turn. In Bornemann’s city of Caprian, a world of shifting alliances and unpredictable magic, one can never be sure of motivations or aims. The story builds to a thrilling ending which satisfies and yet—fans will be happy to note—leaves a ray of light leading to the next book in the series.

[Benjamin]

Flinch's parents are taken by the Inquisitors and Flinch himself is on the run. The story lurches from one improbable episode to the next with no clear plot development. Granted, this is fantasy, but even with fantasy you expect a story where all the elements hold together. That is not the case here.

[BonusMom]

A little confusing

The premise of this story was excellent, unfortunately, I thought the story didn't flow; there were too many confusing incidents for me to really like this book.

[neal mirin]

A great read

I. believe this was will planed
storytelling, which twist and turned, but you get bogged down looking up word meanings as I did. A very good story

[Rachel]

Protagonist magically turns from a frightened little boy to a master plotter who gives the slip to all the adults around him. Not really interesting.

[Don Gasser]

Great book

I could not put this book down
There were no concerns about like or dislike because there was nothing not to like

[Alisa Hines]

Different kind of story

The Demon do Histlewick Downs is an interesting story. It doesn't go where you think it will and doesn't end like you'd think it would. Very enjoyable read.